Floor-covering.



CHARLES H. BAOH, OF BROOKS, MINNESOTA.

FLOOR-COVERING.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 12, 1907.

Application filed June 1, 1906. Serial No. 319,703.

To all whom it may concern-.-

Be it known that 1, CHARLES H. BACH, a citizen of United States, residing at Brooks, in the county of Red Lake and State of Minnesota, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Floor-Coverings, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in floor-coverings, and refers particularly to a composition of material designed to take the place of the carpets, rugs, mattings, and other floor-coverings now in common use and at a much less expensive rate.

The object of my invention is the provision of a cheap and durable floor-covering possessing the necessary resiliency and heat retaining properties, which will also be waterproof and fireproof.

With these objects in view my invention consists of a compound of paper, charcoal, and cotton or linen combined in the manner substantially as herein set forth.

My improved covering compound consists of the following-named ingredients combined in the proportions stated, viz: pulverized paper, eight pounds; pulverized charcoal, one pound; cotton, linen, or silk, from one to two pounds, according to the grade of the composition. The cotton, linen, or silk must be shredded into bits of about onequarter inch in length.

The pulverized paper and charcoal are thoroughly mixed dry, and the cotton, linen, or silk is gradually mixed in, also in a dry con dition. \Water is then added and the mixing continued until the materials become plastic and a stiff paste is formed. This plastic material is then rolled out to the desired thickness and removed in the form of slabs to a drying-room, or a drying apparatus may be employed.

To render the covering waterproof, the slabs are plunged once or twice into a solution of mastic in oil of turpentine and dried by a gentle heat.

To fireproof the composition, it is dipped in a strong solution of alum-water.

The charcoal used in the composition is preferably made from soft wood, and the paper should be of the best quality. Oil or paint of any color may be used in the com position.

When cotton or linen is used in the composition, about two pounds are necessary; but a finer grade of covering is produced by using silk in place of the cotton or linen, and only about one pound of silk is required.

The covering may be secured to the floor in slabs, or it may be applied to the surface in a plastic condition and rolled to the proper thickness. The composition may also be used as a covering for walls.

The advantages of my covering composition will be readily appreciated, as it forms a cheap and ornamental substitute for carpet or matting, it is easily prepared, it forms a cushion to the foot, and is easily cleaned by using a damp cloth.

A few drops of poison may be used to make the covering proof from insects and vermin.

I claim- 1. A floor covering comprising paper, charcoal, and cotton, linen, or silk.

2.-A floor-covering comprising pulverized paper, pulverized charcoal, and shredded cotton, linen or silk.

3. A covering composition consisting of pulverized paper, pulverized charcoal, and cotton, linen or silk, mixed with Water to form a paste and dried.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

CHARLES H. BAOH.

Witnesses:

O. BoIssoNEAU, W. B. CHESHIRE. 

